National Aviary Plans $23 Million Expansion


The National Aviary has some big changes in the air! In just a few short months, the Aviary will begin work on a $23 million expansion that will enable exciting new interactive programming and greatly improve visitor amenities.

The project includes construction of a new Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater outfitted with high-definition video screens, sound and moveable stages for free-flight indoor bird shows, and an open-air rooftop theater that will allow for bird-of-prey lure-flying demonstrations and special events.

In the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater, birds will dramatically demonstrate natural behaviors as they soar above the audience to and from multiple stages representing different natural environments. Lighting, climate control and video projections will further immerse guests in the habitats of the birds and blur the line between audience and performance.

The Rooftop Raptor Encounter space will provide a thrilling entrée into the world of raptors as falcons, kites, kestrels and more swoop and dive at top speed against a background of open sky.

These additions, together with 10 new exhibits, a new Conservation & Field Research Center and expanded Bird Hospital will create a wildlife encounter space unlike any other.

The problem of accessing the Aviary will also be solved with the creation of a welcoming main entrance facing Arch Street. Construction of expanded building wings with new façades on the east and west sides of the National Aviary will give the structure a cohesive design, while a public café, expanded parking and three new classrooms will enhance the Aviary’s ability to service school groups, tours and individual visitors.

The National Aviary will seek Silver LEED certification for the entire project, including the theater and its green rooftop space.

The Aviary’s overall reconstruction, including expanded building wings and new façades, is a project of SPRINGBOARD Architecture Communication Design LLC of Pittsburgh. The FliteZone™ Theater, Rooftop Raptor Encounter theater and new interior exhibit spaces have been designed by Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets, Inc. of St. Louis (PGAV). Construction will begin in the spring of 2009, with a projected completion date of summer 2010.